How To Choose A Gynecologist Palatine

By Velma Joseph


A gynecologist Palatine should be someone women trust with their most intimate health concerns. With gynecologists, women discuss their sexual history, current practices, birth control, and other reproductive issues. In addition to reproductive issues, women should feel comfortable telling the truth about their lifestyle choices, including drug and alcohol use, and smoking, because all affect reproductive health. A first gynecological visit should occur between the ages of thirteen and fifteen, on the advice of the American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians.

Women may have to choose a provider based on health insurance coverage. Because most insurers consider gynecologists to be specialists, most policies only allow for one annual Pap smear. In addition, women may have to obtain referrals to a gynecologist from their primary care physician, before they schedule an appointment.

Women may start by asking for recommendations. Women should ask friends their own age, who will have similar reproductive needs, about their gynecologists, and why they like them. Women may also ask their primary care physician, provided that the physician will provide specific feedback about why a particular doctor is recommended.

Before choosing, women should decide whether they will need obstetric services. Obstetric services will be a necessity for women who are planning to become pregnant, and will need prenatal health care. In addition to prenatal care, an ob-gyn will have the skills required for healthy delivery of the baby.

Women should consider their gender preference when picking a doctor. While some women have no preference, other women only feel comfortable discussing their most intimate issues with female doctors. Past sexual abuse may also be an issue that may cause women to choose a doctor who is the opposite gender of their abuser.

Women may also have to arrange gynecological visits for teen girls. Before the visit, parents should explain the components of the visit, including the exam, the taking of medical history, and the new cervical cancer vaccine. Daughters should have a say in who their doctor will be, and parents should have the assurance that the doctor's views on birth control and prevention of disease are congruent with their beliefs.

Women should choose a gynecologist Palatine who is board certified, through the American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians. Also, if women expect to become pregnant, or to have a procedure involving reproductive organs in the near future, they should choose a doctor who is affiliated with a particular hospital. The advice of friends should be taken into consideration, but ultimately, women must keep their own preferences at the forefront, when making their choice. Read more about: Gynecologist Palatine




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